'''Valencia''' [http://www.turisvalencia.es/], pronounced baˈlenθia (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /vaˈlɛnsia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the [[Valencia (province)|Old Kingdom of Valencia]] province of [[Spain]] that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union, with 810,064 inhabitants in the city proper and 1,832,270 in the Metropolitan Area (INE 2008). It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of [[Barcelona]] and three hours to the east of [[Madrid]]. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March (see [http://www.walksinspain.com]), for being the birthplace of ''paella'', for hosting the "2007 & 2010 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called The City of Arts and Sciences.

+

'''Valencia''' [http://www.turisvalencia.es/], pronounced baˈlenθia (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /vaˈlɛnsia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the [[Valencia (province)|Old Kingdom of Valencia]] province of [[Spain]] that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union, with 810,064 inhabitants in the city proper and 1,832,270 in the Metropolitan Area (INE 2008). It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of [[Barcelona]] and three hours to the east of [[Madrid]]. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March, for being the birthplace of ''paella'', for hosting the "2007 & 2010 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called The City of Arts and Sciences.

The river Turia ran through the center of the city, but it was redirected a while back and replaced by a beautiful park. This is a very nice place to spend any free time you have in the city on a sunny day.

The river Turia ran through the center of the city, but it was redirected a while back and replaced by a beautiful park. This is a very nice place to spend any free time you have in the city on a sunny day.

Line 26:

Line 26:

==Talk==

==Talk==

−

Valencia's official languages are [[Catalan phrasebook|Valencian/Catalan]], and [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]], but only Valencian is the native language of the city [http://www.valencia.es/twav/ordenanzas.nsf/vCategoriasv/0678F746AFEAA382C12571A90040716B/$file/R_us%20valencia.pdf?openElement&lang=2&nivel=4]. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, not many people speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valencian is often preferred. As in [[Barcelona]], with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, for example "Lingua Valencia"[http://www.linguaschools.com/learn-spanish-in-spain/spanish-in-spain.php?id=12].

+

Valencia's official languages are [[Catalan phrasebook|Valencian/Catalan]], and [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, not many people speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valencian is often preferred. As in [[Barcelona]], with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. However, the linguistic issue is not as controversial as in Barcelona and most people in Valencia speak Spanish as their first and commonly, only language. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, for example "Lingua Valencia"[http://www.linguaschools.com/learn-spanish-in-spain/spanish-in-spain.php?id=12].

−

English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Most people under 35 speak some English and some quite a bit, but most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish or Valencian. French may be spoken or understood by some.

+

English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Hardly anyone over 35 speaks English, and most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish or Valencian. French may be spoken or understood by some.

== Get in ==

== Get in ==

Line 37:

Line 37:

A taxi ride form the airport to Calle de La Paz, which is in the heart of the historic city centre and covering a distance of approximately 11km costs around €19 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €4. The tarifs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English but are difficult to see. The same journey back from Calle de La Paz to the airport half the price! These fees are accurate as of August 2008.

A taxi ride form the airport to Calle de La Paz, which is in the heart of the historic city centre and covering a distance of approximately 11km costs around €19 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €4. The tarifs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English but are difficult to see. The same journey back from Calle de La Paz to the airport half the price! These fees are accurate as of August 2008.

−

Valencia is served by Iberia, Spanair, Lufthansa, AirFrance, AirBerlin, TuiFly, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling, and several other airlines.

+

Valencia is served by Iberia, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, AirFrance, AirBerlin, TuiFly, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling, and several other airlines.

=== By train ===

=== By train ===

Line 60:

Line 60:

Renting a bike is an increasingly popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city.

Renting a bike is an increasingly popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city.

−

Since 2010 the city offers public bicycle rentals at over 100 locations around the city (and growing). This service is called Valenbisi [http://www.valenbisi.es/]. For 10€ you get access to unlimited use of the bikes during 7 days, first half hour is free, then 1€ every 30 minutes extra. You can purchase the ticket at any terminal at the stations.

+

Since 2010 the city offers public bicycle rentals at over 250 locations around the city (and growing). This service is called Valenbisi [http://www.valenbisi.es/]. For 14€ you get access to unlimited use of the bikes during 7 days, first half hour is free, then 1€ every 30 minutes extra. You can purchase the ticket at any terminal at the stations.

+

+

If you stay longer than two weeks while using the bike system it might be smart to get the 365-days pass for around 25€. You need a credit card, internet and a metro ticket to get it. You can also let them mail it to your Valencian address, but that takes about 20 days. With the normal paper metro ticket you can online chose to book the Valenbisi on this very metroticket. You only need the ID-Number of the ticket. This will instantly grant you one year without the need of an address or the waiting.

Lights at night and reflective clothes are mandatory, helmet is only recommended. Riding through the sidewalk is also forbidden and bikeways are not frequent, this can do riding a bike in Valencia not recommended if you're not used to deal with city traffic. Drivers usually are unkind to cyclists.

Lights at night and reflective clothes are mandatory, helmet is only recommended. Riding through the sidewalk is also forbidden and bikeways are not frequent, this can do riding a bike in Valencia not recommended if you're not used to deal with city traffic. Drivers usually are unkind to cyclists.

Line 77:

Line 79:

===By car===

===By car===

+

Driving to Valencia from Barcelona, travellers take coastal route E-15. A long and scenic roadway, at many points directly adjacent to the water, the E-15 is a toll-road (costing 35 Euro to traverse its entire length) very similar in appearance to the Pacific Coastal Highway in the western United States.

===By bus===

===By bus===

Line 86:

Line 89:

[[Image:Ciudad de las ciencias noche.JPG|thumb|250px|City of Arts and Science]]

[[Image:Ciudad de las ciencias noche.JPG|thumb|250px|City of Arts and Science]]

−

* <see name="City of Arts and Science" alt="Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències" address="Avda. Autopista del Saler, nº 5 - 46013 Valencia" directions="Take a city bus from the train station or the metro to Alameda station" phone="+34 90 210-0031" url="http://www.cac.es/" hours="10AM-9PM" price="" lat="" long="">Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, in the near future, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava.</see>

+

* <see name="City of Arts and Science" alt="Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències" address="Avda. Autopista del Saler, nº 5 - 46013 Valencia" directions="Take a city bus from the train station or the metro to Alameda station" phone="+34 90 210-0031" url="http://www.cac.es/" hours="10AM-9PM" price="" lat="" long="">Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, in the near future, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava. </see>

* '''The Barri del Carme''' neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents, to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers, but please respect the neighbors who live there.

* '''The Barri del Carme''' neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents, to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers, but please respect the neighbors who live there.

Line 92:

Line 95:

* '''The Seu''' — A curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. A trip up the Micalet tower (formerly Moorish, but now "Christianized") provides a pleasing view of the city.

* '''The Seu''' — A curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. A trip up the Micalet tower (formerly Moorish, but now "Christianized") provides a pleasing view of the city.

−

* '''The Llotja''' — This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty.

+

* '''The La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)''' — This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty. Contrary to the wealth of material published by the tourism industry touting this to be the "best preserved late gothic/renaissance building in Spain", in fact only the interior of this building is original. The exterior was renovated in the neoclassical period (approx. 1879) and has been passed off as medieval by the tourism industry in an attempt not dissimilar to the controversial Barri Gotic quarter in Barcelona (which has since been proved to be mostly a medieval fake). Further restoration work in the mid-90's and again in 2007-2008 has clouded the authenticity of the exteriors decorative features. A visit to the Silk Exchange to see the beautiful interior vaulting should still be on everyone's itinerary in Valencia, but doubt claims as to the "Gothic-ness" of the miraculously preserved 500 year old stone carvings.

* '''The Mercat Central''' — Located in an aging "modernist" building in the process of being renovated. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, or olives.

* '''The Mercat Central''' — Located in an aging "modernist" building in the process of being renovated. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, or olives.

Line 101:

Line 104:

* '''Lladró Porcelain Museum and Factory''', take bus 16 from city center to its end at Tavernes Blanques suburb. Here is the Lladró Porcelain factory. Visit is free, but it has to be scheduled before. You visit the factory, the process or porcelain making and at the end a large collection of Lladro porcelain some worth $30,000. Photos allowed only at the collection.

* '''Lladró Porcelain Museum and Factory''', take bus 16 from city center to its end at Tavernes Blanques suburb. Here is the Lladró Porcelain factory. Visit is free, but it has to be scheduled before. You visit the factory, the process or porcelain making and at the end a large collection of Lladro porcelain some worth $30,000. Photos allowed only at the collection.

+

+

* '''Valencian History Museum''' — a museum full of artifacts and multimedia presentations detailing the history of Valencia from its birth in the Roman era all the way to the modern times. Easily reachable by metro, near the Nou d'Octubre station.

== Do ==

== Do ==

Line 169:

Line 174:

'''Patriarca Square (Plaza del Patriarca)''' is a good place to look for the major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, Farrutx, etc.

'''Patriarca Square (Plaza del Patriarca)''' is a good place to look for the major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, Farrutx, etc.

−

* <buy name="KandaBooks" alt="" address="Calle de la Tapineria, 18" directions="" phone="639 740 746" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kandabooks.com" hours="" price="">An international secondhand bookshop and exchange near the Plaza de la Reina. Run by a friendly couple who are always happy to help find the perfect book or gift, you can find both fiction and non-fiction for those first learning different languages, to award winners for those advanced learners or natives in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German. They also offer sweet treats from the UK, inspiring nature photos, beautiful handmade greeting cards and badges of local scenes. Open Monday - Saturday. www.kandabooks.com.</buy>

+

* <buy name="KandaBooks" alt="" address="Calle de la Tapineria, 18" directions="" phone="639 740 746" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kandabooks.com" hours="" price="">An international secondhand bookshop and exchange near the Plaza de la Reina. Run by a friendly couple who are always happy to help find the perfect book or gift, you can find both fiction and non-fiction for those first learning different languages, to award winners for those advanced learners or natives in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German. They also offer sweet treats from the UK, inspiring nature photos, beautiful handmade greeting cards and badges of local scenes. Open Monday - Saturday.</buy>

* <buy name="inVLC magazine" alt="" address="Various locations" directions="" phone="639 740 746" email="" fax="" url="http://www.issuu.com/invlceditor" hours="" price="">inVLC magazine is a '''free''' magazine for visitors, expats, locals and anyone learning English. It can be found in lots of locations in the city and the Community.

−

inVLC magazine is a '''free''' magazine for visitors, expats, locals and anyone learning English. It can be found in lots of locations in the city and the Community.

+

It contains independently written articles about local facilities, such as restaurants, bars, shops etc, essential local holidays and fiestas information, guides to local towns within the local community, and language sections for anyone learning English.</buy>

−

It contains independently written articles about local facilities, such as restaurants, bars, shops etc, essential local holidays and fiestas information, guides to local towns within the local community, and language sections for anyone learning English.

+

−

All back copies of the magazine are held on www.issuu.com/invlceditor</buy>

+

−

* <buy name="Godé Gastroclub" alt="" address="Calle de los Centelles, 34" directions="" phone="961 051 681" email="" fax="" url="http://www.facebook.com/godegastroclub" hours="" price="">A wine store with a twist, a place where you can find and try wine from all Spain and beers made in the region from small breweries and trying refreshing drinks. Located in Ruzafa, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Valencia. Open Tuesday - Sunday. www.gode.es</buy>

+

* <buy name="Godé Gastroclub" alt="" address="Calle de los Centelles, 34" directions="" phone="961 051 681" email="" fax="" url="http://www.gode.es" hours="" price="">A wine store with a twist, a place where you can find and try wine from all Spain and beers made in the region from small breweries and trying refreshing drinks. Located in Ruzafa, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Valencia. Open Tuesday - Sunday. </buy>

==Eat==

==Eat==

Line 244:

Line 247:

*'''Café del Temps''' — Espresso on ice.

*'''Café del Temps''' — Espresso on ice.

*'''Blanc i Negre''' — Iced coffee with leche merengada.

*'''Blanc i Negre''' — Iced coffee with leche merengada.

−

*'''Calimocho''' - A popular drink of Valencia made with red wine and cola mixed.

+

*'''Calimocho''' - A popular drink, originating in the Basque Country, made with red wine and cola mixed.

* <sleep name="7 moons" alt="" address="Avenida Navarro Reverter, 13-1 [46004] Valencia -España" directions="" phone="" url="http://7moons.es" checkin="" checkout="" lat="" long="" email="reservas@7moons.es" fax="" price="From €50">Located in the City Center. Inaugurated in December 2012. The B&B has six big and comfortable rooms, all with TV, free WIFI and breakfast included. Within walking distance to the main shopping area, the river bed and the City of Arts and Sciences. </sleep>

Revision as of 19:27, 1 April 2013

Valencia[1], pronounced baˈlenθia (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /vaˈlɛnsia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia province of Spain that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union, with 810,064 inhabitants in the city proper and 1,832,270 in the Metropolitan Area (INE 2008). It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of Barcelona and three hours to the east of Madrid. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March, for being the birthplace of paella, for hosting the "2007 & 2010 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called The City of Arts and Sciences.

The river Turia ran through the center of the city, but it was redirected a while back and replaced by a beautiful park. This is a very nice place to spend any free time you have in the city on a sunny day.

Understand

L'Umbracle, City of Arts and Science

Valencia was host to the 2007 & 2010 America's Cup [2]. This fact, along with the construction of the "City of Arts and Science" [3] by renowned architect and Valencian Santiago Calatrava have made Valencia a city in transition. Massive construction and transformation over the last 10 years have turned a once little-considered medium city into a meatier and more interesting destination.

Despite being on the Mediterranean Sea, even residents say that "Valencia has always lived with its back to the sea", meaning that the spirit and the core of the city is not necessarily integrated with its beach. The city center and the most visited neighborhoods are not particularly close to the beach.

Valencia was founded by the Romans and was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century (with a short interruption by El Cid). In 1609, the Moors who had converted to Catholicism were expelled from the city. During the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, Valencia was the capital of the Republic, which eventually lost to Franco's forces.

Climate

Summer — Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on vacation. At this time of year Valencia is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30-40°C (86—104°F).

Fall — September and October are more active months and the weather permits beach outings. Sidewalk cafes are still open until around the end of October.

Winter — Though temperatures are still relatively mild, it's too cold to sunbathe at the beach.

Spring — A lovely time to visit. The annual "Fallas de San José" [4] unofficially marks the beginning of spring. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.

Talk

Valencia's official languages are Valencian/Catalan, and Spanish. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, not many people speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valencian is often preferred. As in Barcelona, with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. However, the linguistic issue is not as controversial as in Barcelona and most people in Valencia speak Spanish as their first and commonly, only language. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, for example "Lingua Valencia"[5].
English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Hardly anyone over 35 speaks English, and most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish or Valencian. French may be spoken or understood by some.

Get in

By plane

Valencia Airport [6] (IATA: VLC) is 9 km from the city center. The bus to Túria station departs every 30 minutes and takes about 30-40 minutes. Subway [7] goes directly to the town centre and links the Airport to the main train station, Estación del Norte (beside Xàtiva metro stop), running every 8 minutes and taking about 20 minutes.

A taxi ride form the airport to Calle de La Paz, which is in the heart of the historic city centre and covering a distance of approximately 11km costs around €19 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €4. The tarifs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English but are difficult to see. The same journey back from Calle de La Paz to the airport half the price! These fees are accurate as of August 2008.

Valencia is served by Iberia, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, AirFrance, AirBerlin, TuiFly, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling, and several other airlines.

By train

Many trains come from Madrid (eg: Alaris), Barcelona (eg: Euromed or ARCO), and many other cities. The main train station, Estacion del Norte, is in the center of the city, near the Town Hall. Travel time by train from Barcelona Sants is about 3 1/2 hours while from Madrid by AVE (high speed rail) is 1 hour 33 minutes.

The national train company is RENFE [8]. The tickets can be booked online. The cheap tourist class tickets are often sold out, so economical travellers should book their tickets some couple of days in advance.

By bus

There are also many buses coming from almost every big city in Spain and most of the cities in the Valencia region. The bus station is located by the river in Valencia, about a 15 minutes walk from the center.

By boat

Get around

For train and bus transport it is possible to buy bonos in kiosks and tobacco shops. Both Bonobus (which as of June 2009 costs €6) and Bonometro (which as of July 2011 costs €6.55 for one zone and is also available at ticket machines) allow for 10 rides. If you want to use two lines to reach your destination, you have to use a B-T (which as of July 2008 costs €7).

By bicycle

Renting a bike is an increasingly popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city.
Since 2010 the city offers public bicycle rentals at over 250 locations around the city (and growing). This service is called Valenbisi [9]. For 14€ you get access to unlimited use of the bikes during 7 days, first half hour is free, then 1€ every 30 minutes extra. You can purchase the ticket at any terminal at the stations.

If you stay longer than two weeks while using the bike system it might be smart to get the 365-days pass for around 25€. You need a credit card, internet and a metro ticket to get it. You can also let them mail it to your Valencian address, but that takes about 20 days. With the normal paper metro ticket you can online chose to book the Valenbisi on this very metroticket. You only need the ID-Number of the ticket. This will instantly grant you one year without the need of an address or the waiting.

Lights at night and reflective clothes are mandatory, helmet is only recommended. Riding through the sidewalk is also forbidden and bikeways are not frequent, this can do riding a bike in Valencia not recommended if you're not used to deal with city traffic. Drivers usually are unkind to cyclists.

By foot

Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Much of this city can be done walking, stopping for a coffee or a beer, and then walking more, all very leisurely. It's not necessary to have the mindset of mastering a complex public transportation system. However, for longer trips, see below for some pointers.

By train

The Metro Valencia[11] consists of five lines (from which one is a tramway to the beach) and connects the suburbs with the city. As of 2011, the one-way fare for one zone is €1.40. The ticket itself costs an additional €1 and contains a rechargeable chip. This metro system is not extensive, but can get you to major points within the city. If you want to take the tram, you have to buy a ticket from the machine, then validate it, before you get on.

If you use the metro a lot, you should consider getting a Bonometro (see above), or a one-, two- or three-day pass, which can be quite economical. For just over €22, you can ride for 72 hours on the metro and tram as much as you like during that time; a bonus is that if you buy a ticket at, for instance, 16:00 on a Monday, it will expire not on Wednesday night, but on 16:00 Thursday.

By car

Driving to Valencia from Barcelona, travellers take coastal route E-15. A long and scenic roadway, at many points directly adjacent to the water, the E-15 is a toll-road (costing 35 Euro to traverse its entire length) very similar in appearance to the Pacific Coastal Highway in the western United States.

By bus

See

City of Arts and Science

City of Arts and Science (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), Avda. Autopista del Saler, nº 5 - 46013 Valencia (Take a city bus from the train station or the metro to Alameda station), ☎+34 90 210-0031, [13]. 10AM-9PM. Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, in the near future, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava.

The Barri del Carme neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents, to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers, but please respect the neighbors who live there.

The Seu — A curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. A trip up the Micalet tower (formerly Moorish, but now "Christianized") provides a pleasing view of the city.

The La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) — This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty. Contrary to the wealth of material published by the tourism industry touting this to be the "best preserved late gothic/renaissance building in Spain", in fact only the interior of this building is original. The exterior was renovated in the neoclassical period (approx. 1879) and has been passed off as medieval by the tourism industry in an attempt not dissimilar to the controversial Barri Gotic quarter in Barcelona (which has since been proved to be mostly a medieval fake). Further restoration work in the mid-90's and again in 2007-2008 has clouded the authenticity of the exteriors decorative features. A visit to the Silk Exchange to see the beautiful interior vaulting should still be on everyone's itinerary in Valencia, but doubt claims as to the "Gothic-ness" of the miraculously preserved 500 year old stone carvings.

The Mercat Central — Located in an aging "modernist" building in the process of being renovated. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, or olives.

Walk along the old Tùria river bed, now a park with soccer and rugby fields, an artificial boating lake, athletics track, playgrounds, fountains, and trails. This massive elongated park spans many neighborhoods and ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. Abundant bike paths make it an ideal place to get in a little exercise and sun.

Torres de Quart, at the end of Calle Quart. This pock-marked medieval tower was part of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city. Another set of nearby towers called the Torres de Serrano were also part of ancient wall. The Serrano towers have been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but they are still interesting and are located across the street from the park.

Lladró Porcelain Museum and Factory, take bus 16 from city center to its end at Tavernes Blanques suburb. Here is the Lladró Porcelain factory. Visit is free, but it has to be scheduled before. You visit the factory, the process or porcelain making and at the end a large collection of Lladro porcelain some worth $30,000. Photos allowed only at the collection.

Valencian History Museum — a museum full of artifacts and multimedia presentations detailing the history of Valencia from its birth in the Roman era all the way to the modern times. Easily reachable by metro, near the Nou d'Octubre station.

Do

Fallas

Fallas 2006, before igniting the papier maché models

What are Fallas?
The origins of the Fallas Festivity [14] goes back to an old tradition of the city's carpenters, who before the Festivity of their patron Saint Joseph, burned in front of their workshops, on the streets and public squares, their useless things and other wooden utensils they used to hold the candles that gave them light during the winter season. This is the reason why the night of the cremà (in which the Fallas monuments burn down) is always on March 19th, the Festivity of San José.
In the 18th century, Fallas used to be piles of combustible materials that were called "Fallas" and were burnt the night before the day of San José.
These Fallas evolved and acquired a more critical and ironic sense when showing in the monuments reprehensible social scenes.
Around 1870, the Fallas celebration [15] was forbidden, as well as Carnival. In 1885 this pressure created a movement that defended typical traditions by awarding in the magazine "LaTraca" the prizes to the best Fallas Monuments. This competition, which began to be popular among different neighbourhoods, brought the creation of the artistic Falla, where critique was still an important element together with aesthetics.
In 1901 the Ayuntamiento de Valencia awarded local prizes to the best Fallas. This was the beginning of the union between the people and the political power. This relationship has greatly developed this popular festivity in its structure, organisation and size.
In 1929 the first poster contest for the promotion of the Festivities and in 1932 the Fallero weekend was established. It what then, when Fallas became the Mayor Festivity of the Region of Valencia. Today, more than seven hundred big and small Fallas are burned in the city of Valencia.

Valencia has a fantastic festival each March called Fallas [16], in which local areas build big papier maché models. They are mostly of a satirical nature and can be as tall as a few stories. Fallas are constructed of smaller figures called ninots, Valencian for "dolls". The fallas take a whole year of planning and construction to complete. Each neighborhood has a falla, but 14 fall into the Sección Especial category and these are the most important, expensive, and impressive. Each falla has an adult falla (mayor) and a kid's falla (infantil). It is best to arrive by 16 March, as all of the fallas are required to be finished or they face disqualification.

Another feature of Fallas is the fireworks. It's like the city's a war zone for a week! They wake you up early in the morning and go on through the day. Every day, there are three fireworks events, la despertà, la mascletà, and el castillo. La despertà occurs every morning at 8AM in order to wake you up. At 2PM in the main square of the city, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there's a thing they call Mascletá. This is 120 kilos of gunpowder translated into a lot of noise. It has to be experienced to be understood. This is very popular and you should arrive an hour in advance at least. Every night between midnight and 1AM, there is a castillo, a fireworks display. The last night it's called la nit de foc, the night of fire, and this is the most impressive. This is also very crowded and you need to arrive early to be able to see it. Along with these displays, people set off fireworks all day, making it very difficult to catch any sleep.

The days of 17th and 18th of March is La Ofrenda. The falleras from each falla take flowers to the Plaza of the Virgin. These flowers are used to construct the virgin. The processions are grand and very beautiful and worth catching. They follow two main paths: one down calle San Vicente and the other down Calle de Colon.

At the end of a week displaying the 'fallas' they are burnt. This is called la cremà. The fallas infantiles are burned at 10PM and the fallas mayores are burned anywhere from midnight to 1AM. The one at the town halls is burned last at 1AM. The most impressive to see are the fallas in Sección Especial, because these are the largest and most dramatic when they burn. These tend to be very crowded and one should arrive early.

Things one should do during fallas:

Go around and see the various fallas, but especially the Sección Especial.

Pay to enter one of the bigger fallas to get a closer look at the individual ninots.

See la mascletà and the la nit de foc.

See one of the various parades, especially the ofrenda.

See the virgin made of flowers.

Buy churros or buñelos at one of the many stands on the street.

Go to one of the temporary bar/nightclubs set up on the street and dance all night long.

Things one should be aware of:

Most of the streets in the city are closed to everything, except pedestrian traffic and it is difficult to get around. The best way to get around is either by walking or taking the public transportation. Driving a car is not a good idea.

Most of the restaurants are very crowded and some are not open. There is usually very long waits and slow service and you should plan for this in your schedule.

Most of the hotels are also very crowded and should be booked in advance.

Many people throw fireworks near pedestrians and its very easy to get burnt or injured.

Some of the fallas, like Nou Campanar, are well outside the city center and are quite far by foot, it is much easier to take a bus.

Fallas Museums

If you can't be in Valencia at the time of the festival, you can at least get an idea of what it's all about by visiting one or both the following museums:
Museo Fallero [17]
Museo de Artistas Falleros [18]

Beaches

There are several city beaches, and three major beaches outside of Valencia. See [19]

Playa de Malvarrosa and Playa e Levante o de la arenas are the most popular city beaches, just north of the port. To get there, take the metro or tram to Eugenia Vines or Arenas station, or take the metro to Maritim Serreria and continue with the tram to Neptu (all on one ticket).

El Saler is the nicest and best developed beach near Valencia. Devesa is undeveloped and has nice surroundings. At Devesa and Playa Pinedo there are nudist sections. These beaches are located south of the port. To reach them, take the Yellow Bus (operated by "Herca") from Calle Alicante near the train station, in direction "Perello". The trip takes about 30 minutes; the bus runs hourly 7am - 9pm.

Hot springs

The hot spring is located 90km north of Valencia in a region known for its mountains, deep gorges and scenic nature. The crystalline waters of the lagoon bubble up from the earth at a temperature of 25ºc all year round. This place well known by the locals is still undiscovered by most travellers. The story goes that the hot spring was the preferred bathing and relaxation site for a Moorish king´s harem. The water was said to keep his women young and beautiful.Dip into the water for a swim and explore the lagoon snorkeling, see the fish around you and discover the hidden caves. For the brave there´s the option to jump off cliffs right into the deepest part of the lagoon.

Learn

Abla Lenguas[20] is like the young, dynamic alternative to the big institutions. Private (one to one) classes mean you can basically start any time and choose when you want your lessons. This and the plenty of young people around make it quite suitable for travellers.

Babylon Idiomas[21] offers a wide range of different Spanish courses with qualified and experienced native teachers. Social and cultural activities as well as a dedicated student service are included in the price. The school is accredited by Instituto Cervantes and is located in the very heart of the city, on Poeta Querol, 5. New courses start every Monday.

Don Quijote[22] Spanish school in Valencia is a great school where you can take 4-6 hours of courses a day. All courses including beginner courses are taught entirely in Spanish.

Linguaschools Valencia[23] organizes Spanish courses for foreigners, using the immersion method. The school is based in a real Spanish villa, located next to the Universidad de Valencia, close to the old town of Valencia. Here, you can enjoy your classes, lounge on one of the terraces or study in the garden.

Espanole Ih Valencia[24] is a member of International House, a network of language schools all over the world. The school provides the students with lots of leisure time activities and even housing can be arranged by the school, either in a studio, in a shared apartment or in a guest family. Even the beginner courses are taught entirely in Spanish, which makes it difficult to follow the lessons in the beginning. The school is centrally located at Calle La Nave 22.

Buy

Patriarca Square (Plaza del Patriarca) is a good place to look for the major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, Farrutx, etc.

KandaBooks, Calle de la Tapineria, 18, ☎639 740 746, [25]. An international secondhand bookshop and exchange near the Plaza de la Reina. Run by a friendly couple who are always happy to help find the perfect book or gift, you can find both fiction and non-fiction for those first learning different languages, to award winners for those advanced learners or natives in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German. They also offer sweet treats from the UK, inspiring nature photos, beautiful handmade greeting cards and badges of local scenes. Open Monday - Saturday.

inVLC magazine, Various locations, ☎639 740 746, [26]. inVLC magazine is a free magazine for visitors, expats, locals and anyone learning English. It can be found in lots of locations in the city and the Community. It contains independently written articles about local facilities, such as restaurants, bars, shops etc, essential local holidays and fiestas information, guides to local towns within the local community, and language sections for anyone learning English.

Godé Gastroclub, Calle de los Centelles, 34, ☎961 051 681, [27]. A wine store with a twist, a place where you can find and try wine from all Spain and beers made in the region from small breweries and trying refreshing drinks. Located in Ruzafa, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Valencia. Open Tuesday - Sunday.

Eat

Tips on Paella

To recognize "real" local paella from tourist junk, avoid any places with large paella pictures on the door step. This is a sure sign for frozen/microwaved paella.

When possible, make reservations or arrive early (no later than 2PM), especially on Sunday, because these restaurants fill up quite quickly on the weekend.

Paella is typically eaten at mid-day (between 2-5PM), so many restaurants do not serve it at dinner. Be careful of those that do as this is not the custom here and the quality of the paella may be poor.

The paella pan is of a size that almost all restaurants require a minimum of two servings for an order. Restaurants that allow ordering one order are likely serving frozen paella.

Local paella — There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: Paella Valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), Paella de Marisco, with fish or seafood, or even Paella Mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular amongst locals. It is very difficult to say which is the "real" paella, as every person has his/her own version (Though NO paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic Paella, try it at the Malvarrosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian Paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity). Vegetarian Paella is called "Paella vegetal" or "Paella de verduras".

Arròs a banda and arròs negre — This rice is black because it contains squid ink. You can find these dishes at the same places as above.

Fideuà, a paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in the Gandía and Denia area (Alicante) and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try too.

All i pebre — All i pebre is made of eel, a snake like fish typical from the Albufera, a lagoon near Valencia. You can drive to El Palmar and taste it there. Delicious, but a very special taste. You can find good paella, and other traditional dishes at the restaurants here too.

Bunyols — Fried doughnuts, sometimes round shaped, sometimes like rings. Widely available only during March. Dip them in hot chocolate. Sometimes they are too oily, so don't eat a lot of them or you will not be hungry again for several hours. If you can choose the 'carabasa' (pumpkin) version, you should try it. They are generally tastier.

Blue Iguana, Almirante Cadarso, 30. This is one of the best nightclubs in Valencia. New and old good music all night offered by Dj Moisés.

Plaza del Cedro is a nice place where all possibilities are given to spend a night partly o complete in less touristic ambiance than in the center.

A lot of Bodegas and Tapas bars where you can get typical Spanish dinner for quite good prices. When you arrive early (the Spanish early) at about 8PM they are usually having special offers like "Tercio y Tapa" for about €1. To find them orientate more to the parallel streets to Carrer de Doctor Manuel Candela.

Later to drink something occupying the time between dinner and going out there are many bars with different kind of music present.

If you feel like dancing there are 4 famous pubs where especially at the weekends a lot young people can be found. The entrance is normally for free and they are almost neighbors all located in Calle Campoamor. The music is more alternative (Rock/Indie/Pop) that in general in Spain but it changes depending on the DJ. So just have a look to all of them to find the one you like most. They are closing at half past three in the morning and if you don't want to be alone maybe the best time to arrive is between half past one and half past two. For more details see:

Additionally there is typical Spanish nigh-life feeling on the Plaza del Cedro itself. Different kind of people enjoying the mild Mediterranean clime to sit outside talking, drinking and playing guitar often until the sunrise.

Other centres of are night-life are Cánovas (more up scale), Juan Llorens (young also, less "alternative"), around the university (students), and increasingly in the area near the beach and port.

Traditional Regional Drinks

Agua de Valencia — Valencia water is a very famous mixed drink. There are several recipes, mainly based on a mix of orange juice and Cava, the local sparkling wine.

Orxata — A drink made from tigernut, xufa in Valencian or chufa in Spanish. Being cold and sweet, it is specially popular during the summer months. In Spanish it is called 'horchata' and it can be found in 'horchaterias' or 'orxateries', but also in most of the cafes and bars. When ordering a horchata, you will most probably be asked whether you would like to have a 'farton', a small pastry for being dipped in horchata, as well.

Cibada — An iced malt drink.

Llima Granizada — Iced lemonade.

Café del Temps — Espresso on ice.

Blanc i Negre — Iced coffee with leche merengada.

Calimocho - A popular drink, originating in the Basque Country, made with red wine and cola mixed.

Sleep

Staying in or near Old Town means you will hardly need transport, unless you go to the beach.

Budget

Hostels

Our City Just For You (Hostels Valencia Spain), Humanista Mariner 6, Patraix Valencia Spain, (ourcityjustforyou@gmail.com), [34]. Travel in a different way to Valencia and discover its sights with us.(39.461445,-0.392894)

Hôme Hostels, Plaza Vicente Iborra S/N 46003 - Valencia - SPAIN, ☎+34 96 391 37 97 (info@likeathome.net), [39]. The best youth hostels in Valencia [40]. Located in town center. Specialized in backpackers and groups. The cheaper one in Valencia. Enjoy the real Spanish life, stay comfortable in one of the Hôme Hostels, all located in the heart of the historical center of Valencia.From €15.

Hostal al Rincon, Calle Carda 11, Mercado, [41]. Single without bath €17. Wi-fi. Safe parking. These guys claim to have been around for over 400 years!

40 accomodations for less than 50 €, Various, [42]. List of accommodations in Valencia under 50 €. With GPS coordinates and street map. From €18 to €50.

Mid-range

Get Me An Apartment, Calle Garrigues 2, 4º, 11ª, Valencia [46001], ☎0800 680 0615 / +3496 350 4340 (info@getmeanapartment.com), [44]. Central Valencia apartments that offer all modern conveniences, to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Book your ideal apartment on line with ease, in the knowledge that you will have our expert customer service on hand at all times. From €25/Person/Night.

Mukk Flat, Calle Pintor Maella, (info@mukkflat.com), [45]. checkin: 16:00; checkout: 12:00. A modern and comfortable flat (85m2) located less than 5 minutes walk from the City of Science and well connected with other parts of the cityFrom €35.

7 moons, Avenida Navarro Reverter, 13-1 [46004] Valencia -España, (reservas@7moons.es), [50]. Located in the City Center. Inaugurated in December 2012. The B&B has six big and comfortable rooms, all with TV, free WIFI and breakfast included. Within walking distance to the main shopping area, the river bed and the City of Arts and Sciences. From €50.

Rooms DeLuxe, Av. Instituto Obrero nº 20 [46013] Valencia - Spain, ☎+34 963 356 793 (info@roomsdeluxe.com, fax: +34 963 356 692), [51]. A different type of hotel , 28 thematic rooms designed and decorated by 28 distinct artist. Close to the City of Arts and Sciences, cheap and special. Perfect for couples, very romantic, an experience you will never forget.From €40.

Apartamento Pintor Maella, Calle Pintor Maella nº3, ☎+34 609 28 99 27 (pisopintormaella@gmail.com), [53]. Lovely apartment with excellent location within five min of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias shopping centres. Close to the marina, the beach of la Malvarrosa, and the furure Formula 1 urban cycle. Next to bus stop and very close to metro stop Ayora. Recommended.

Expo Hotel Valencia[54], Avda. Pío XII, 4, (34) 96 303 36 00. An ideal location situated within the Nuevo Centro. Offering 3* surroundings, great service and with a private swimming pool, it's a perfect base for business or pleasure visits.

NH Villacarlos Address: Avenida del Puerto, 60, 46023, Email: nhvillacarlos@nh-hotels.com, Tel.: +34 96 3375025, Fax: +34 96 3375074 [55]. The hotel is within walking distance of the historic centre and the commercial heart of the city, as well as La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Valencia football stadium Mestalla and the Palau de la Música. There are a few other NH hotels in Valencia [56] if this one doesn't take your fancy.

Contact

Internet

Internet terminals for 2 Euros/hour can be found at the main tourist information on the east side of the Plaza de la Reina in front of the cathedral, and at the cyber cafe in the Calle de Cerrajeros. 1 Euro/hour in the Chinese places in Calle de Pelayo, west of the train station. McDonalds on the Plaza de la Reina as well as many other restaurants and cafes offer free WiFi.

Get out

Albufera — A fresh water lake. Rice is cultivated in the surrounding area. The Albufera also hosts many interesting varieties of migratory birds. The local village in the area, El Palmar, is also a good place to try some paella or other local dishes.

Saler — These beaches are on "protected" land and are the cleanest, most secluded beaches within easy reach of the city. Accessible by bus, but that requires a good level of organization. A round-trip taxi ride should cost between €10-20, depending on how far along the beach you go.

Manises, 15 km south west of Valencia. It is not only the site of Valencia's airport, but also an important center for pottery. Some 100 ceramics factories are located in the municipality, where the art has been practiced for at least 700 years. At the MCM Museum, there are exhibitions about the history of ceramics in the area.

La Tomatina, hosted by nearby Buñol on the last Wednesday of August. A festival that involves thousands of participants throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. Make sure you wear clothes that you can throw out after wards, as it gets very messy.

Rent a car and do a day trip to any number of picturesque villages or small cities in the region, including Chulilla, Sot de Chera, Xátiva, Sagunto, among others.

Hot Spring and other discoveries: A small tour company offers rides and guided visits to off-the-beaten-path destinations around Valencia. The most popular tour is an incredible hot Spring natural pool in a canyon, 90km of Valencia. Access by public transportation is difficult.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!